From the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. This episode is a special replay, updated for 2026. In it, veteran homeschooling parents Fletch and Kendra sit down with homeschool graduate Matthew Mason for one of their most-talked-about conversations — an honest, gracious look at the good, the hard, and the complicated of growing up in the Christian homeschool world.

This episode is brought to you by CTC Math.

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Matthew Mason is a homeschool graduate and a longtime friend of Fletch and Kendra’s family. Homeschooled K–12 and adopted before birth by a pro-life activist mother, Matthew grew up inside what he calls “the bubble” — a reformed, close-knit Christian homeschool community. As a young adult he came out as gay, left that community, and began searching for truth on his own terms. In this candid studio interview, he reflects on what homeschooling gave him and where it fell short.

Together they dig into the questions a lot of homeschool families are afraid to ask: What do we do when a child walks away from the faith or the lifestyle they were raised in? How do we love well when we disagree deeply? And how do we keep our hope anchored in Christ rather than in our parenting?

This is one of Homeschooling IRL’s more honest, “hot potato” conversations. Fletch and Kendra interview a guest whose beliefs and choices differ from their own and from many listeners’ — not to endorse, but to model gracious, open dialogue. As they put it, when your identity is anchored in Christ, you can listen to anything without fear.

If this episode resonated, here are other Homeschooling IRL conversations referenced in it:

There’s a homeschool podcast for everyone on the network. A few you may enjoy:

Browse the full lineup at ultimateradioshow.com.

The Homeschooling IRL podcast is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network. This 2026 replay is sponsored by CTC Math.

The post I Love Homeschooling, But I’ll Tell You Its Flaws appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Are you homeschooling a struggling learner? Fletch and Kendra share three practical ideas for you as you consider homeschooling a child who struggles.

Join us for this week’s episode as we answer a listener’s question about how to give struggling learners the time and attention they need.

EPISODE TIMELINE

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is:

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

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Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

The post Homeschooling The Struggling Learner appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Are you homeschooling a struggling learner? Fletch and Kendra share three practical ideas for you as you consider homeschooling a child who struggles.

Join us for this week’s episode as we answer a listener’s question about how to give struggling learners the time and attention they need.

EPISODE TIMELINE

SHOW NOTES:

Recommended Resources:

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:

SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE AN iTUNES REVIEW:

Allow the magic of the internet to deliver Homeschooling In Real Life to your tablet or smartphone. Let us show you how easy it is:

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO LISTEN TO HomeschoolingIRL?

ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS:

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

The post Homeschooling The Struggling Learner – HIRL Episode 102 Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

(with Barrett & Jennifer Johnson)

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

What happens when “good behavior” gets mistaken for gospel transformation? In this episode, Fletch and Kendra sit down with Barrett and Jennifer Johnson to talk about how Christian families (especially homeschool families) can unintentionally raise kids who know the rules—but don’t know grace. They unpack legalism, “recipe parenting,” identity, and what it looks like to shepherd kids toward Jesus instead of toward performance.

This is a replay of an earlier broadcast and links and events mentioned in the podcast have been updated in the show notes.

Why legalism and moralism can quietly “check God out of the equation”

The viral blog post: “How to Raise a Pagan Kid in a Christian Home”

The difference between raising well-behaved kids and raising kids who understand grace

The trap of recipe parenting and the myth of “perfect outcomes”

Moral Therapeutic Deism and why it resonates with many Christian families

Homeschool pressure: when kids become a reflection of the parent’s identity

“Shepherding a Child’s Heart” (what’s good, what can go sideways)

Helping kids engage the world with discernment instead of fear

Why kids need space to ask questions and wrestle with faith

What dads need to hear: modeling humility, confession, and relationship

Barrett & Jennifer Johnson share their family story, ministry background, and what led Barrett to write the viral post that sparked this episode.

About the Johnsons:

Live in Atlanta (after moving from Texas)

Married 23 years

Parents of five kids, including a sweet adoption story with an open adoption relationship

Barrett runs INFO for Families (Imperfect & Normal Families Only)

Barrett shares how the post went viral:

150,000 views in 5–6 days

500,000+ views in the first month

Christianity isn’t primarily about “being good.” It’s about Jesus.

Kids can learn rules without learning grace.

Homeschool culture can unintentionally encourage identity-driven parenting (“Don’t embarrass me.”)

The goal isn’t to “have your kids’ hearts”—it’s to point their hearts to Christ.

Parents modeling confession (“I was wrong. Forgive me.”) matters more than image management.

Dads play a powerful role when they lead with love + relationship, not distance + pressure.

Barrett speaks directly to fathers about being the “lead confessor” in the home:

Don’t confuse leadership with being harsh or distant

High standards without grace create discouragement and disconnect

Kids are more likely to listen to someone they like and trust

Model repentance, humility, tenderness, and truth

Jennifer adds what mattered most in their homeschool years:

Being united as a team

Dad reinforcing mom’s work and providing “buck stops here” support

Emotional encouragement—because homeschooling can feel thankless

Barrett & Jennifer Johnson’s Blog: INFO for Families

infoforfamilies.com (also referenced as INFO4Families)

Search Facebook for their INFO for Families page

(Fletch mentions adding links in the show notes to Christian Smith, “Soul Searching,” and “Christless Christianity.”)

A special shoutout to Rebecca, who listens while exercising early in the morning.

Production Note:
Homeschooling in Real Life is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. For more info, to contact the hosts, or to connect on social media, visit UltimateRadioShow.com

The post How to Raise A Pagan Kid In A Christian Home – HIRL Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Are you looking for a new math curriculum? Well, CTC Math specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning favorably reviewed in Kathy Duffy’s 102 Topics and the Old Schoolhouse Crew Review.

The lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math and a whole new way. The lessons are taught their traditional way, not to the test. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way. And in only a few minutes at a time.

Using a multi-sensory approach, having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with a practical assessment, even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results. And the ones that were doing okay before now are doing brilliantly. Visit CTC math today and start your free trial. That’s CTCmath.com.

Find a Math Curriculum That Works

How Do I Make Homeschooling Fun?

Best of Homeschooling IRL: I Love Homeschooling, But I Hate Teaching Writing

The post Special Replay: HomeschoolingIRL Episode 6: I’m Thinking About Homeschooling, But… appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Special Replay:  We received a message on the HomeschoolingIRL Facebook page that said, “Please, please, please do an episode on siblings fighting. Thanks!”

Sibling relationships. Sibling rivalries. Siblings fighting. We put out the question to our listeners and they responded with story after story of siblings who know how to tease, fight and use sarcasm like professionals.

On this episode, we dig into the topic of parenting through sibling relationships in your homeschool. Fletch and Kendra open up about their own family and share practical advice for handling those tricky, sticky moments when brothers and sisters want to be anything but best friends. We also announce our coffee contest winner and we each answer the question: “What Ben/Jerry’s ice cream flavor would you create and what would you call it?”

Music clips used on this show:

“George Street Shuffle” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Three Little Birds, Ziggy Marley (Click on link to purchase)

Pick A Little/Talk A Little, The Music Man (Click on link to purchase)

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

The post Special Replay: What To Do About Sibling Relationships? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Are you starting your school year?  In this Best of HIRL, we gather around the teacher’s lounge and gear up for another year of teaching our kids at home.

When this episode first ran, Fletch and Kendra were starting their 19th year of homeschooling with a bang and letting you in on the fun. In this episode, they also imparted 5 questions to ask yourself as you head back to school this year.

Join us and let’s get the school year rolling!

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Podcast: HomeschoolingIRL on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Episode Highlights:

Main Discussion: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting the New School Year:

2. What Worked Last Year? – Reflecting on the previous year’s successes and challenges helps parents identify what teaching methods, curriculum, and routines were effective. This reflection can inform decisions for the new year.

3. What Needs Improvement? – Fletch and Kendra suggest addressing areas that might need improvement. Whether it’s time management, organization, or addressing specific subjects, being honest about weaknesses can lead to growth.

4. How Can You Make Learning Engaging? – The hosts emphasize the importance of making learning enjoyable and engaging for both parents and students. They discuss creative ideas to spark curiosity and excitement in the learning process.

5. How Will You Take Care of Yourself? – Fletch and Kendra stress the significance of self-care for homeschooling parents. Balancing responsibilities and personal well-being contributes to a healthier homeschooling environment.

As the hosts gear up for their 19th year of homeschooling, they inspire listeners to approach the new school year with intention, excitement, and a commitment to growth. By addressing the provided questions, parents can lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling homeschooling journey.

For more insights and tips on starting a new homeschool year with enthusiasm and purpose, tune in to this “Best of” episode of HomeschoolingIRL on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

**Resources Mentioned:**

**Disclaimer:**

*Please note that the above show notes are a creative representation and should be reviewed, revised, or modified as per your specific requirements and the actual content of the episode.*

Recommended Resources:

Follow Fletch/Kendra:

Follow the Studio Dogs:

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

Music clips used on this episode:

The post Best of HIRL: Back To School (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Most of us won’t say outright that we think homeschooling will save your kids, but many of us pack this idea in the back of our minds: if we only do it right, our kids will turn out to be good, godly adults.

Is that true? Can we trust that homeschooling will save your kids?

On this episode, we share our own homeschool journey, where we think we got it right, where we know we got it wrong, and then we’ll bring some levity to the whole show by recommending some things we love and a new segment called “Q and A with K and A.”

 Join us for Homeschooling IRL Episode #4, where we peel back the layers of our own hearts and expose the areas where we may be relying on our own good works to deliver our kids to the finish line.

The post HomeschoolingIRL Episode 4: Homeschooling Will Save Your Kids, Part One appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Tragedy. In terms of media and social media, tragedy has become a staple of our daily diet. The world seems to be going crazy and the news is full of stories that are difficult for kids to process and understand. How do we talk to our children about race issues, murder, terrorism, and other tragic current events? 

On this episode, we dive right into modern events and take on the headlines of the day. We discuss ages and appropriateness of content and conversation, how to address our children’s fears, and of course how to bring the gospel into every conversation.

CTC Math.

The post Talking With Kids About Tragedy – Special Replay appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

The answer to this question is obvious: we all know that homeschoolers can go to college!

This episode is brought to you by CTCMath.com – a wonderful math curriculum for all of your homeschool needs, or to brush up on new skills.

On this episode of Homeschooling In Real Life, Fletch and Kendra get real and challenge their listeners to join them in a difficult discussion about fear and trusting God as they contemplate sending their children onto higher education.

Along the way, they sit down with two college admissions counselor. They ask them to share the experiences they have had when homeschoolers apply to college. How are we doing when it comes to academic preparedness, pride and preparing our kids for college?

Finally, Fletch and Kendra wrap up their show with a special edition of the HIRLer’s Treasure Chest. Tune in to see what these two are recommending for you now!

Not only can homeschoolers go to college, they can succeed when they are there. Time and again, we have seen the statistics. There are a wide variety of college prep opportunities for homeschool kids.

03:45 – Fletch/Kenj talk begins the discussion about parenting from a place of fear.

Join Fletch (from theMangoTimes) and Kendra (from Preschoolers and Peace) for the HomeschoolingIRL podcast every two weeks as they interview guests and talk through some of the goofiness they have experienced in nearly two decades of Homeschooling In Real Life.

MBFLP 94 – Choosing A College

College Prep Genius Introduction

The post Special Replay | Can Your Homeschooler Go To College – HIRL Episode 27 appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.